Observation Setting:
What would be some ethical issues/problems when observing a public setting like a restaurant?
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What are you observing?
It would be almost impossible to know about relationships in a public setting.
The assignment is to observe everything. Like the behaviors of people, what they're doing, how they act.
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I don't see any ethical problems in observing people in a public place.
What about, as the observer, you are not supposed to interact with, or interfere with what you are only observing. However, during your observation, you see some type of abuse occur. Ethical dilemma--do you maintain your posture as observer only, or do you report? Also, what about privacy issues, perhaps even HIPAA violations (in the event that the other patrons were discussing their health issues)?
When observing a public setting like a restaurant, there are a few ethical issues or problems that may arise. These include:
1. Privacy concerns: Observing people in a public setting can potentially intrude on their privacy. While they are in a public space, they still have a reasonable expectation of privacy, especially when engaging in personal conversations or activities.
2. Informed consent: Obtaining the informed consent of individuals being observed is essential from an ethical standpoint. If the people being observed are not aware that they are being studied, it infringes upon their autonomy and right to decide whether or not they want to participate in such research.
3. Confidentiality: It is crucial to protect the identity and personal information of individuals being observed. Recording and documenting details about their behavior or interactions should be done in a way that cannot be linked back to their identity, minimizing the risk of harm or embarrassment.
4. Deception: Employing deceptive techniques or practices to gain access to information or observe certain behaviors is ethically problematic. It is essential to be transparent in the purpose of the observation and avoid misleading participants or manipulating their behavior.
5. Bias and objectivity: The researcher's biases and subjective interpretations can influence the observation process. It is important to strive for objectivity and avoid distorting the data collected by acknowledging and addressing potential biases.
To address these ethical issues, researchers conducting observations in public settings like restaurants should consider the following steps:
1. Obtain institutional review board (IRB) approval: Seek ethical approval from an IRB or a similar body responsible for assessing and approving research conducted with human subjects.
2. Informed consent and debriefing: Inform participants about the research, its purpose, and obtain their consent to be observed. Participants should also be debriefed afterward to provide a complete understanding of the study and address any questions or concerns they may have.
3. Anonymity and confidentiality: Ensure that any data collected is anonymized, meaning it cannot be linked directly to individual participants. Take measures to protect participants' identities and personal information throughout the research process.
4. Minimize intrusion and respect privacy: Avoid observing sensitive or private conversations whenever possible. Focus on general behaviors, interactions, or trends rather than specific personal details.
5. Objectivity and transparency: Be aware of personal biases and strive to maintain objectivity throughout the observation process. Document observations accurately, without distorting or misinterpreting the data collected.
By considering these ethical issues and following established guidelines, researchers can conduct observations in public settings responsibly and minimize potential problems.